Most women find that after having a child the condition of their skin and hair changes. There are several factors which contribute to these changes, especially to dryness of the skin. The most important ones to think about are:
Changes in hormone levels:
While you're pregnant, the high levels of female hormones essential for changing your body to support the growing baby can have a dramatic effect on your skin and hair. Most women find their skin seems to bloom - and their hair is thicker and more luxurious when they're pregnant (partly because the rate of hair loss drops). There's also an increase in the blood supply to the skin and hair during pregnancy, which adds to this effect. Unfortunately, after you've had your baby, hormone levels fall back to pre-pregnancy levels and the circulation returns to normal. This usually means the improvements seen in pregnancy are lost. Sometimes skin and hair even return to a condition quite different to - or worse than - before the pregnancy. Birth control pills high in certain progestins can cause spots, too.
Dry Skin-. After pregnancy your skin can be robbed of essential moisture by a indoor (low humidity) life style (staying home with the baby), a swing in your hormones and poor eating habits. Sleepless nights can also disrupt your skin's natural hormonal balance.
The Pregnancy Mask- Sometime during the second trimester you may find brownish or yellowish patches called chloasma (also dubbed the mask of pregnancy) on your face. They are seen most commonly on the forehead, upper cheeks, nose, and chin. The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulate the melanin cells in the skin to produce more pigment, yet because these cells do not produce extra pigment uniformly, your facial skin may acquire a blotchy tan. (Oral contraceptives can also have this particular hormonal side-effect.) Brunettes and darker-skinned women may notice darkened circles around their eyes. Chloasma cannot be prevented, but you can minimize the intensity of these blotchy, darkened areas by limiting your exposure to ultraviolet light (i.e., sunshine), which further stimulates melanin production. They usually fade slowly after pregnancy.
Acne-
You probably thought your pimple days were over. While the acne of pregnancy is rarely as severe as that of adolescence, you may need to adjust your cleansing rituals. Fortunately, pregnancy is much shorter than adolescence; the bumps and pimples should subside shortly after delivery. Avoid abrasive scrubs or exfoliates; pregnant skin is too sensitive for these. Because of the risk of birth defects, the anti-acne prescription drugs Accutane and Retin-A cannot be used during pregnancy.
Rosacea- When rosacea occurs during pregnancy and in women taking oral
contraceptive pills, hormonal factors may be a trigger. Rosacea is usually
localized specifically to the face, with the chin, cheeks, and forehead bearing
the brunt of the attack. It is characterized by dull red (flushing) skin discoloration and irritation. Rosacea may also include small, red, solid bumps -- called papules -- and
pus-filled pimples -- called pustules -- on the skin of all involved facial
areas, extending beyond the inflammatory nodules, is typical.
Stress Plays a big part as well:
Stress of a new baby and many sleepless nights (not to mention the later terrible two's and the dreaded teenage years) can all reek havoc on your skin. Stress can trigger acne breakouts. Besides, using the wrong cleanser or cosmetics not meant for your skin type can also lead to clogged pores and blemishes. Stress can also lead to eating the wrong foods which can exacerbate oily skin and acne, and leave your skin with a haggard look.
Tips for Managing Your Skin's Changes:
Your skin doesn't remain the same throughout your life cycle. With pregnancy, pimples, rashes and hyper-pigmentation can occur. It is at these times you need to re-evaluate your skin care regime. What worked for your skin before pregnancy, may not work for you any longer.
The main area of change lies in how you take care of your skin. Before pregnancy your cleaning and skin care regimen may have been limited or nonexistent. Now you must look closely for products that will address the issues you face. You should look for a gentle cleanser, a toner to regulate the ph of the skin and diminish the look of pores, and a hydrating moisturizer. A good sunscreen is a must as well. Mineral make-up contains titanium dioxide and some formulations also contain zinc oxide, which are both excellent sunscreens. Without these basic moves, skin becomes dull, devitalized and cannot defend itself against environmental damage.
Oily skin needs to be exfoliated to keep the pores clear and unclogged, but harsh exfoliates should be avoided. Milder, oatmeal-based facial scrubs can help unplug the oily pores, and are much kinder to sensitive skin.
Instead of covering spots or acne with a liquid oil consealer that can further clog your pores, dab on an anti-acne formula and use a mineral powder consealer to hide acne and to absorb excess oil. Our Mineral consealer is ideal for acne and rosacea sufferers as it provides complete coverage of blemishes at
the same time helping to heal and calm inflammations with the high levels of zinc oxide.
Don't forget about the rest of your body. It is crying out for nourishment! We have a luscious Green Tea Body Butter. Green tea extract is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and it also has 20 times more antioxidant power than vitamin C. It provides superior protection from free radical damage which leads to more youthful, vibrant skin.
